A Lagos High Court has warned the organisers of the planned protest that if they insist on going ahead with it, they must restrict themselves to two locations — Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu.
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare of the Lagos High Court issued the restriction following a pre-emptive ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN).
Pedro told the court that the injunction was to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and prevent loss of lives and property.
Pedro said: “In recognition of the citizens’ fundamental right to stage a public protest against government policies and actions, but prevent unlawful destruction of lives and properties in the process, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces and locations in the state where citizens can meet and converge to protest or express their displeasure against government.
“The locations are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State.
“Public protest in all the local government councils and public highways as well as other areas of public access in the state for 10 days is a deliberate plan to shut down the state and if this is allowed, it will amount to economic sabotage.
“An order of the court is required in the circumstances to protect the fundamental rights of first to fifth defendants/respondents to protest and other residents opposed to the protest to go about their lawful engagements without harassment, disturbance and destruction of public buildings/properties.”
Also yesterday, Police Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun advised two lawyers backing the proposed protest to liaise with the Police Commissioners in charge of state police commands for guidelines on street procession.
The IG gave the admonition to Messrs Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa (SAN) during a meeting.
